The precise terms and conditions of the derogation are set out in the EC Decision 2007/863/EC. To operate under the derogation each farmer must meet certain conditions.

80% or more of the agricultural area of your holding under your control must be grassland. You cannot apply more than 250 kg Nitrogen/hectare/year from grazing livestock manure to land. This includes application by the animal itself.

The key measures and guide to completion of the application form are summarised in the Nitrates Directive Derogation Guidance Booklet

If you consider that you may be eligible to apply for the nitrates derogation, you can download the application form , or you can contact Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) for an application form at:

Nitrates Derogation Fertilisation Account must be received by NIEA at the above address each year by 1 March for the previous calendar year. If you operated under a derogation in 2014 and you are applying for derogation in 2015, your application for derogation for the calendar year 2015 must be accompanied by your fertilisation account for the calendar year 2014.

The Fertilisation Worksheet will assist to calculate the P Balance on the farm. You do not have to complete this worksheet, however if you do, this worksheet can be submitted with the rest of the Fertilisation Account and you do not have to complete the P Balance section of the Fertilisation Account on pages 9-16.

Alternatively, you can access the P Balance Calculator through the DARD website. Using the P Balance Calculator you can print the 'Detailed Balance Summary'. Again this can be submitted with the rest of your Fertilisation Account and you do not have to complete the P Balance section of the Fertilisation Account.